A constant question in all sports is how much competition is necessary to capture and sustain fan attention. There is a sweet spot between not enough and too much, and formula One is no different. And just like in other sports, different opinions abound.
When Liberty Media came into Formula One racing in 2017, everyone knew that change was on the horizon. One change was more media attention, primarily through the internet, so that fans could get information and access the sport on various digital platforms.
That is a good thing. However, one thing on Liberty Media’s mind didn’t have to do with media per se–it was about expanding the breadth of events under the F1 umbrella. And that matter is now an issue of discussion.
Even with circuits like Australia, Canada, and Japan canceling events due to COVID-19, the sport has found replacement courses to fill this season’s 23 race card. And that outcome was accomplished with little internal response or pressure. To date, only Mercedes (Toto Wolff) and McLaren (Andreas Seidel) have voiced concerns, specifically, that the additional races have put too much travel pressure on staff and–importantly–has had an impact on balancing work and personal lives.
But Stefano Domenicali, the Formula One Management Organization head, doesn’t see it as an issue. Indeed, he believes 23 is the right number. “I can anticipate that, for sure, the calendar will be done with 23 races,” said Domenicali. “Of course, we will be very respectful towards the COVID regulations issued around the world from the different governments. But that is our aim that F1 can give this sign of hope and to go to normal things to enjoy.”
However, Bernie Ecclestone, former head of the F.O.M., thinks there are currently too many events on the docket. “18 races is enough,” he said. “(With 23) there is unnecessary stress and trampling on your health.”
Despite Ecclestone’s protestation about 23, next year’s calendar may include even more races. With new venues like Miami, Florida, Saudi Arabia, and with a recent 10-year deal in Qatar, the card may expand to 25 races in 2022. That said, the situation is fluid and complex when you consider what might happen in Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Austin, and Spain, along with Belgium. At issue is whether all or some of those venues will host races next year.
In addition to more races, Formula 1 has added three Saturday sprint races to determine the race grid for Sunday. Two have been held already (in Great Britain and Italy), with Brazil coming up at the season’s end. Although race fans have expressed mixed feelings about this addition, Domenicali is all in. He believes that as many as a quarter of all races in 2022 should be run using that format.
While all sports are eager to capture and sustain fans, the constant question is how much is enough and when there is too much. Ecclestone and Domenicali have different opinions about that matter–as do fans and F1 observers. But rest assured that in Formula 1 we’ll know the answer soon.
